Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson chasing Catania striker Takayuki Morimoto. The People says Fergie's spies have been to Italy to watch the 21-year-old striker play for Catania and have made contact about a potential deal in the new year or at the end of the season.

Morimoto would be a massive commercial asset in United's bid to dominate the Asian market.

He has recovered from a knee problem that stopped his progress a couple of years ago.

Ferguson is expected to make a personal check shortly, but sources close to Catania claim an inquiry has already come in and they would be open to a sale - but preferably in the summer once their survival battle in Italy is over.